Traditional single-purpose industrial robots are losing ground to affordable, easy to use robots and peripherals that can be flexibly redeployed for a wide range of applications.

This empowers manufacturers to gain even greater productivity increases from their automation investments.

OnRobot is extending its commitment to ongoing customer empowerment with the launch of a software update for its popular, 2.5D camera-based Eyes vision system.

The new features, which enable Eyes to be deployed in quality inspection applications and on mobile setups, include one-shot detection for multiple objects, colour and blob detection and automatic landmark calibration tools designed to speed cycle time for mobile robot setups.

New visual inspection features for reduced cycle time and fast ROI
Eyes’ new inspection features enable the system to easily sort, inspect, or pick and place unstructured objects using colour and contour detection – a capability that is beyond most competing vision systems.

This detection method requires no workpiece teaching and finds items based on colour and size information input by the operator. Eyes’ inspection features can be used to inspect parts removed from CNC machines, for example, or to check IMM parts for excessive or inadequate material after part has been moulded.

The tools also support manual inspections: operators can set up a camera and inspection program, manually place a workpiece in view and execute inspection. No robot required.

The update also provides users with one-shot detection for multiple objects, allowing the system to pick all workpieces with only one picture. This reduces complexity for users and improves cycle times. The update includes tools that allow users to request specific workpiece types and specify gripper clearance parameters.

Adding Eyes to mobile robots
A new landmark feature has been added to Eyes’ powerful toolkit, enabling easy deployment of Eyes on mobile robots and setups with carts, trays, and pallets.

The Landmark feature makes it simple to program mobile robots to move from station to station using end user-defined Landmarks as their guide. Landmarks can also be used to initiate specific robot operations: for example, when Eyes detects the arrival of a mobile cart in its workspace loaded with parts for picking, it can easily switch to pick & place routines.

Covid-19 accelerates robotics in Southeast Asia
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated robotics and automation adoption globally, including in Southeast Asia. Companies are reassessing their production processes to meet growing demand while simultaneously dealing with a shortage of workers and social distancing restrictions.

Automation is crucial, especially for SMEs who are more vulnerable to disruptions, due to smaller cash reserves and a more limited customer base.
SMEs account for between 89 and 99 percent of enterprises in the region. Companies now have an ideal solution as collaborative applications offer a fast, easy and affordable alternative to bulky traditional industrial robots.